Surat, April 23 (IANS) An organised network involved in siphoning iron rods from transport consignments has been uncovered in Surat after the city Special Operation Group (SOG) seized goods and vehicles worth over Rs 71.52 lakh and arrested four men in the Dindoli area.

Acting on specific intelligence on Thursday, SOG officers carried out a raid near Bhagyalakshmi Society, where they recovered approximately 59,910 kilograms of TMT iron rods.

The police said the accused had been diverting material from consignments transported by trucks and trailers and selling it at reduced rates to builders and traders.

Those arrested were identified as Bheraram Jakhad (25), a truck driver from Barmer in Rajasthan; Nimbaram Jakhad (22), a truck cleaner also from Barmer; Pradeep Tripathi (30), a resident of Dindoli and originally from Uttar Pradesh; and Pradeep Sharma (33), a Dindoli resident and originally from Rajasthan.

They were apprehended at the spot along with the vehicles used in the operation. Police seized iron rods valued at Rs 32.95 lakh, a trailer worth Rs 33 lakh, and a car valued at Rs five lakh.

Four mobile phones and cash were also recovered during the operation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajdipsinh Nakum said the case pointed to a “well-planned conspiracy” in which consignments were tampered with during transit.

“The accused used to remove material from trucks and trailers and later sell it at cheaper rates to builders or traders,” he said.

He added that there was a strong possibility of involvement of others connected to the transport network.

A preliminary investigation has identified two alleged masterminds, Jitu and Rajan Tiwari, who are currently absconding.

Police said teams have been deployed to trace them, and further details, including the identities of buyers of stolen material in Surat, may emerge after their arrest.

A case has been registered at Dindoli police station under sections 305(2), 370(2) and 370(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Investigators are examining whether the group was involved in similar thefts elsewhere.

Police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against any builder or trader found to have purchased stolen goods.

–IANS

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